Free Ag Conference Sponsership for Ohio Women

Women Farm Sponsoring a Registration to 5 Upcoming Farmer Conferences!

Ohio women producing food for local markets, or aspiring to do so, who have not yet had an opportunity to attend a conference listed below are invited to apply for our sponsorship of their fee registration!
An applicant must be a woman who resides in Ohio, is at least 18 years of age at the time of application, is willing to meet up at the conference (briefly or as much as you wish) with the owners of Women Farm, and is willing to be interviewed after the conference by Women Farm for publication on our web site.
Women Farm service partners, women farmers whose essays and interviews have already been invited or published by Women Farm are ineligible to apply.
Conference sponsorship opportunities, the application process and deadlines, and award announcement dates are listed below.
ACRES USA
December 8-10, 2011, Columbus OH
http://www.acresusa.com/events/11conf/about.htm
Apply on or before 5 pm Monday, November 21, 2011
Women farmers with 5+ years experience growing food for local markets are especially urged to apply.
Registration award announced by 5 pm Wednesday, November 23rd
Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association (OPGMA)
January 16-18, 2012, Sandusky OH
http://www.opgma.org/?q=congress
Apply on or before 5 pm Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Women farmers with 3+ years experience growing food for local markets are especially urged to apply.
Registration award announced by 5 pm Friday, December 16th
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA)
February 18-20, 2012, Granville, OH
http://www.oeffa.org/events.php
Apply on or before 5 pm Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Women aspiring to farm and up to 3 years experience growing food for local markets are especially urged to apply.
Registration award announced by 5 pm Friday, January 13th
Ohio State University (OSU) Small Farm Conference
March 9-10, 2012, Wilmington, OH
http://clinton.osu.edu/events/2012-small-farm-conference-and-trade-show
Apply on or before 5 pm Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Women aspiring to farm and up to 2 years experience growing food for local markets are especially urged to apply.
Registration award announced by 5 pm Friday, February 10th
Ohio State University (OSU) Small Farm Conference
March 31, 2012, Massillon, OH
http://clinton.osu.edu/events/2012-small-farm-conference-and-trade-showhttp://clinton.osu.edu/events/2012-small-farm-conference-and-trade-show
Apply on or before 5 pm, Monday, February 27, 2012
Women aspiring to farm and up to 2 years experience growing food for local markets are especially urged to apply.
Registration award announced by 5 pm Wednesday, February 29th
Apply Now!

1. Go to our survey page. Complete Join Us and/or Log In and take the short survey Represent Ohio Women Farmers. (Skip this step if you have already completed this survey.)
2. E-mail management@womenfarm.com or send by regular mail to Women Farm, P.O. 954, Worthington, OH 43085-0954 the following information.
   • Full Name
   • Confirm that you are an Ohio resident, 18 years or older
   • Confirm that you are able to arrange for travel, and if required, for food and lodging, if you are awarded a fee sponsorship
   • State the conference or conferences for which you would like to be considered, including specific dates you are able to attend, and confirm that you have never attended the conference(s).
   • Confirm that if you are awarded a fee sponsorship by Women Farm you are willing to meet Women Farm owners at the conference and to be interviewed by Women Farm for publication on its web site
   • State the number of years, if any, that you have grown food for local markets
   • Regarding each conference for which you wish to be considered, write a short paragraph about why you want to attend this conference at this time.

Cooking with Whole Grains - Sep 10th, 10AM - 1PM

Do you want to expand your use of whole grains but find the bulk bins bewildering? Join me as we discuss the following:

o Cooking techniques and recipe ideas
o Types of whole grains and seeds (physical examples will be provided)
o Levels of grain processing and how it affects the cooking process
o Buying and storing tips

We will then move into the kitchen to make an entire meal based on whole grains and seeds – salad, fritters and a dessert. You will leave with the knowledge to incorporate more than just wheat and rice into your everyday cooking!

Classes are held at the Meshewa Farm, 7550 Given Road. The cost of the class is $40. Sign up on the "cooking classes" tab of www.dandelionchef.com. Email Laura with any questions: laura@dandelionchef.com.

Charcoal Grilling Class : July 16th, 10AM-1PM

Charcoal grilling is simple in theory – light the coals and cook until “done”. Why then is it so hard to get perfectly cooked food from the grill? Join me to learn the essentials of charcoal grilling:

• What to consider when purchasing a grill
  


• Proper tools and equipment
  


• Building/starting a fire based on the food being grilled



• Preparing the grill for cooking



• Grilling techniques and tips for consistent results



• Turning your grill into a smoker
  

We will then fire up the grill and start cooking! Everything will be cooked on the grill: bone-in, spice rubbed chicken, farm fresh vegetables and more. You will leave with the skills and knowledge to take the guesswork out of grilling! Cost of the class is $40. The class is held at Meshewa Farm, 7550 Given Rd. Sign up on Laura’s website at http://www.dandelionchef.com/ and send any questions to Laura@dandelionchef.com.

Whole Chicken Cooking Class : June 11th, 10AM-1PM

Buying a whole chichen is an economical alternative to buying pre-cut parts. However, “breaking it down” and properly cooking each piece can be intimidating. Join Dandelion and Turner Farm in the kitchen for step-by-step, hands-on instruction on how to safely and efficiently break down a whole chicken into breasts, wings, thighs and drumsticks. You’ll learn the best cooking procedures for each piece and then end the class by preparing a few recipes together. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a new “favorite piece.” Visit the cooking classes tab of Dandelion's website to sign up. The cost of the class is $50.

Quick Bread Class : May 14th 10AM - 1PM

Dandelion, in collaboration with Turner Farm, is holding a class focusing on quick breads - that is, breads made quickly by using a leavener other than yeast. Made fresh and at home these breads are not only "quick", but easily surpass the flavor and texture of any store-bought or pre-packaged option. We will discuss different types of quick bread, mixing techniques and flavor additions. We will also have hands-on experience making two styles of quick bread: 1) biscuits in a savory application and 2) scones in a sweet application. They will be served with various accompaniments from the farm so you won't leave hungry. To sign up, visit the "cooking classes" tab of Laura's website: www.dandelionchef.com. The cost of the class is $35. Contact Laura with any questions at laura@dandelionchef.com.

CORV Eat Local Guide Hits the Streets

The 2011 CORV Eat Local and Sustainable Guide for the Greater Cincinnati area makes its debut in the April 13, 2011 issue of City Beat. Get your copy this week at your favorite City Beat distributor. The on-line version of the guide will also debut April 13th. For more information go to www.EatLocalCORV.org

Risotto Class : April 16th

Dandelion, in collaboration with Turner Farm, is teaching a risotto making class on April 16th from 10AM-1PM. You will not only have hands-on experience making risotto, but you will also learn why each step in the process is so important. Below is just a sample of the questions that will be answered:

• Rice varieties: what properties you should look for in choosing rice


• Acidic component: why an acidic component is so important


• Stock: why you need to add stock in small quantities


• Flavoring: when should you add meat, vegetables and herbs


• Ratios: how much uncooked rice, stock and wine is needed per serving

Also, we will be making 3 or 4 varieties of risotto in the class for all to try, including Mushroom, Saffron and Spinach w/ Goat Cheese!

Visit the "cooking classes" tab to sign up: http://www.dandelionchef.com/. We hope to see you there!

LET'S GET GROWING WORKSHOP

On April 16, from 1:00 to 3:30

Marvin Duren of Marvin’s Organic Gardens in Lebanon will be talking about
“How to Grow Herbs and Native Plants Organically in Your Back Yard.”

At the LCNB Community Room, upstairs at 30 W. Park Place, Oxford, OH.

The community is invited to this fifth annual free gardening workshop sponsored by the
Miami Oxford Organic Network ­ MOON, a chapter of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association.

For further information call 523-2360 or 523-5533.

Planting Seeds of Change Mingle this Friday

The community Farm Alliance hosts the Planting Seeds of Change Fundraiser and Mingle this Friday, April 8th 2011 at the Artisan's Enterprise Center, 25 West 7th Street, Covington, KY. Cost is $10 per person and all proceeds go to the Community farm Alliance Seeds of Change project.

The $10 per person donation includes locally produced foods in scrumptious small bites served by Savor Catering and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will include Kentucky liquor, wines and beer. Enjoy the art installation presently on the walls, as well as a special farm-related presentation on display for the evening, featuring photography, art, quilts, pottery and more from local farms and artisans. There will be a silent auction with a variety of wonderful items including a full sized, specially made farm-themed quilt. Tap your toes as local musicians fiddle, pluck and strum bluegrass and other selections. No RSVP is needed - just stop by and have a great time meeting local folks that all share the legacy of food.

More information about the Community Farm Alliance is available at their website, www.communityfarmalliance.org. A facebook page provides more information on the event.